The Love Witch (2016)

[ravenus]

Saw the film last night, and I was sufficiently impressed to put in a pre-order for the UK BD after I confirmed it has the same special features as the US BD release from Oscilloscope

When I first saw the trailer I imagined TLW to be a spoofy saucy black comedy, and while it is sexy and funny in part the film is much more layered and subtle. It is shot in the style of 50's-60's Technicolor drama, and some of the fashions have a distinct hippie vibe but you also see mobile phones and other modern conveniences so it's not set in a distinct period. Our heroine Elaine (Samantha Robinson) is a romance-obsessed witch searching for the great love of her life, and in her quest woos (through both her natural assets and the use of spell potions) a series of men, but who prove unable to absorb and return her love in equal intensity (as a side-effect, they end up dead). Eventually she meets Griff, a square jawed handsome cop, but her past deeds will not (pun intended) stay buried.

The film has a unique vibe, sort of like Roger Corman meets Powell & Pressburger, with a hint of Italian shockerama. What is interesting is that both Biller (who wrote, directed, produced, edited, designed sets and costumes - phew!) and her actors treat the characters with dignity, so parts that would be otherwise one-note jokes gain depth and respect. Biller is also a master of pacing, not afraid to slow down for a medieval wedding scene (which to me recalled images from P&P's Tales of Hoffman and Bergman's The Seventh Seal), yet never slackening her hold on the script. The climax is a fitting blend of shock and poignancy, a lovely way to conclude a lovely film.